Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 19) - This past non-conference season, Loyola Marymount men's basketball partnered with Sharing Our Lives (S.O.L.), an after school mentoring program developed by students in the counseling program at LMU, to host fifth grade students during a home men's basketball game.

S.O.L. is a one-to-one mentoring program for 5th graders transitioning into middle school. On Dec. 3, 15 to 20 fifth grade students and their mentors joined the LMU men's basketball team during a pregame pizza party sponsored by Tower Pizza and then watched the Lions defeat UC Santa Barbara 77-60.

Each member of the team met with students and signed autographs. The students then went on a tour of the LMU campus, shopped at the campus store and attended the game. In addition, Iggy, the LMU mascot, took pictures with the students.

The S.O.L. mentoring program focuses on enhancing students' social skills and self-esteem by providing them with a positive role model and a friend. S.O.L. provides a variety of activities designed to make the time an enjoyable experience.

S.O.L. mentors primary goal is to connect with students and show them that educational opportunities are available for them regardless of their background, social class, race or gender. Through the interaction with S.O.L. mentors, students will not only be a part of an intervention program but will also be able to celebrate the value and potential they have to offer.

The program is located at Felton Elementary school, an urban setting 5 miles southeast of LMU. Mentors are always needed and to get involved email solmentoring@yahoo.com for more information.

- GO LIONS -